Hair loss and hair thinning are a normal part of aging, but they may also occur due to health conditions or trauma to the scalp. Some people who experience hair loss may choose hair transplantation for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons.
Hair transplantation is a procedure in which a doctor transplants hair to an area of the scalp where hair growth has diminished. The doctor usually takes hair from a donor region at the back or side of the head. The transplantation is performed under local anesthesia, and during the procedure there is no pain.
The aim of transplantation is to restore hair growth in parts of the scalp with limited or no hair growth.
Because hair plays a major role in our appearance and affects how we perceive ourselves, hair loss is known to have a harmful psychosocial impact on people suffering from alopecia (hair loss), such as:
● Low self-esteem
● Loss of confidence
In our specialized clinic for plastic and reconstructive surgery, we choose the best technique that will bring successful new follicle growth and restore your confidence.
We always tell our patients that we are all different and there is no ideal age to undergo hair transplantation.
A new, advanced version of local anesthetic injection with reduced pain is local anesthesia applied via a jet injection technique. In this application, instead of using a needle, the anesthetic solution is delivered using mechanical pressure, sufficient to push the dose through a very small opening.
Needle-free injectors significantly reduce the amount of pain experienced by up to 70%.
Another aspect is sedation. Intravenous sedation is administered by an anesthesiologist, taking into account the patient’s age, weight, and general health. This sedation approach can be considered safe for all age groups — from newborns to older patients. For those with lower pain thresholds, after evaluation their procedure may be done under local anesthesia combined with sedation.
For many people, hair is part of their identity, especially for those who maintain and grow it over many years. Therefore shaving can be a traumatic experience, especially for women. In coordination with the physician, you can perform hair transplantation without shaving: Partially shaved donor area technique – a small part of the donor area is shaved, but this region is inconspicuous because it is covered by hair above it. Fully no-shave technique for donor area – shaving the donor area is completely eliminated. It is important that the patient is aware of the limitations related to both techniques and consults a qualified doctor to determine whether he or she is a good candidate for such a procedure. For example, if a patient has experienced extensive hair loss, especially in the crown area, and requires a large number of grafts (around 3,000–4,000 grafts), their head may need to be shaved. The decision is usually made during the procedure planning phase after the patient is examined by the doctor.
The way men lose hair differs from the process in women. In women, it is often gradual thinning that begins at some point and spreads to other areas on top or near the scalp. Women rarely suffer from complete hair loss, and their frontal hairline usually remains intact. The hair transplantation procedure in women is much more complex compared to men, and achieving an equal result is more difficult. Therefore, correct diagnosis of the cause is crucial before proceeding with any hair loss treatment.
Avoid hairstyles that pull the hair, such as tight braids or ponytails, which may exert excessive pressure on hair and damage follicles.
Be careful with heat styling devices. If you use them, set them to the lowest temperature and apply a heat-protectant spray.
Avoid excessive chemical processes, because styling, coloring, or bleaching your hair can damage the hair roots.
Eat more foods rich in vitamins such as iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 — either through diet or, if appropriate, through supplements that help stimulate hair growth.
Consult with a dermatologist to identify the causes of hair loss and a tailored treatment to stop it.
1990: In 1990, the number of hair transplants was 50,000. This is the initial figure that shows the procedure was less widespread during that period.
1995: By 1995, the number of procedures had increased to 70,000, indicating growing interest and availability of the procedure.
2000: In 2000, the number of hair transplants reached 150,000. This increase can be attributed to technological advances and the spread of awareness about hair transplantation.
2005: In 2005, the number of procedures rose to 200,000. This growth reflects further development of techniques and increased accessibility.
2010: In 2010, the number of hair transplants reached 300,000. This indicates significant growth in the popularity of the procedure over recent years.
2015: By 2015, the number of procedures had grown to 400,000, reflecting the continuous upward trend and expansion of transplantation techniques.
2020: In 2020, the number of transplants reached 500,000, showing steady demand and acceptance of the procedures.
2023: In 2023, the number of hair transplants reached 600,000, demonstrating the continuation of the growth trend and the increasing popularity of the method.
The table shows a significant increase in the number of hair transplants over the past several decades. The rise in the number of procedures can be attributed to advancements in technology, improvements in methods, and growing interest and awareness of hair transplantation. This trend indicates that the procedure is becoming increasingly accessible and accepted among patients worldwide.
This chart shows the trend of hair transplant success rates from 1990 to 2023. The success rate of hair transplantation refers to the percentage of patients who are satisfied with the results of the procedure and have achieved a natural hair appearance.
Early Period (1990–2000): During this period, the success rate ranged between 60% and 75%. These early years were marked by limited progress in technology and methods, which resulted in a higher number of patients who were not fully satisfied with the final outcome.
Advances in Technology (2000–2010): In this period, the success rate increased to 85%. The development of new techniques such as FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) significantly improved results and reduced complications, enabling a more natural hair appearance.
Modern Era (2010–2023): The success rate of hair transplantation reached over 90% by 2020 and continued to grow to 95% in 2023. Modern technologies, including robotic systems and advanced transplantation techniques, allow for a high level of precision and satisfactory results for most patients.
The chart illustrates significant progress in the success of hair transplantation over time, reflecting improvements in technique and technology. The high success rate shows that hair transplantation has become a highly effective procedure with a high level of patient satisfaction.
This section provides an overview of the demographic characteristics of patients who underwent hair transplantation in 2023. Understanding these demographic data helps identify patterns and trends in the population of patients who choose this procedure.
Patient Gender:
Men: 85%
Women: 15%
Men: The majority of patients who opt for hair transplantation are men, making up 85% of the total number of patients. This is expected, given that hair loss in men, especially androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness), is much more common than in women.
Women: Women account for the remaining 15% of patients. Although a smaller percentage, the number of women choosing hair transplantation is increasing as more women seek solutions for hair loss problems such as hormonal changes or alopecia.